Hackers' Next Target — Your Brain? 295
Hugh Pickens writes "Wired reports that as neural devices become more complicated — and go wireless — some scientists say the risks of 'brain hacking' should be taken seriously. '"Neural devices are innovating at an extremely rapid rate and hold tremendous promise for the future," said computer security expert Tadayoshi Kohno of the University of Washington. "But if we don't start paying attention to security, we're worried that we might find ourselves in five or 10 years saying we've made a big mistake."' For example, the next generation of implantable devices to control prosthetic limbs will likely include wireless controls that allow physicians to remotely adjust settings on the machine. If neural engineers don't build in security features such as encryption and access control, an attacker could hijack the device and take over the robotic limb." Relatedly, several users have written to tell us that science may be closer to the science fiction "mind wipe" than previously thought. Put this all together and I welcome the next step in social networking; letting the cloud drive my limbs around town via a live webcam and then wiping the memory from my brain. Who has MyLimb.com parked and is willing to deal?
Encryption (Score:5, Funny)
Suddenly a Tinfoil hat seems like common sense. (Score:4, Funny)
Goddamned, the unintended consequence of techonological evolution is that it makes every conspiracy theory ultimately more likely to do in the future.
a risk I'm willing to take (Score:4, Funny)
If it means that in the future our government will employ cyber-babes in ridiculous fuck-me outfits to fight crime.
(Still finding it ridiculous that the Major was essentially wearing a one-piece bathing suit and leather jacket as her uniform in the GITS tv series.)
Here's a question... (Score:3, Funny)
If everyone could hack into any person's brain and have sex with whoever they want, then what kind of society would that be like? On one hand, some super hot chicks are going to be pretty busy, but on the other hand, you would be reprogrammed periodically to think that bigfoot was hot.
Re:No... not buying this at all (Score:3, Funny)
1. after all in Soviet Russia tin foil makes people into hats 2. 3. profit!
you must be new here, and so on.
Re:Encryption (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Encryption (Score:3, Funny)
goatse,
eel soup,
two girls one cup,
kids in sandbox,
dump.jpg (ok that one was off of a Hermes II bbs back in the day, not the internet)
I mean if they want that stuff... they can have it.
OK, tell the truth (Score:3, Funny)
Who else has a clear mental picture of Dr. Strangelove being choked by his own (gloved) hand?
Re:Here's a question... (Score:3, Funny)
on the other hand, you would be reprogrammed periodically to think that bigfoot was hot.
Of course bigfoot is hot - have you ever been inside out of those costumes?
Re:Encryption (Score:3, Funny)
It looks like someone already hacked your brain and implanted some nasti memes there.
Re:Raise your hand (Score:3, Funny)
The CIA has had this tech for years (Score:3, Funny)
Re:OK, tell the truth (Score:3, Funny)
I actually thought of that scene in Evil Dead 2 where Bruce Campbell's possessed hand starts beating him senseless...
Re:No... not buying this at all (Score:3, Funny)
If you have soul you've already been hacked. By God.
Re:I for one (Score:3, Funny)
effects (Score:2, Funny)
there, fixed that for you.
Well, it probably affects a previously-done thorough mind wipe too but I don't think that's what you meant.
Re:Raise your hand (Score:2, Funny)
That's preposterous, Megahard doesn't have a mind of his own, he does what I tell him. Wait a second.... Either your username is coincidentally what my dick's name is, or he has developed a mind of his own and has begun to frequent slashdot.
Re:Encryption (Score:5, Funny)
Forget that, I'm going to copy my brain and run it in a VM.
Re:Ghost in the Shell (Score:3, Funny)
Everybody else thought the reference was too obvious, and didn't want to be the dork thinking he was being all clever by posting it.
Future Husband Excuse... (Score:3, Funny)
But honey, it wasn't really me! Someone hacked into my brain and *MADE* me do that!